The Lion, the Cock, and the Ass
Story Summary
In "The Lion, the Cock, and the Ass," a Lion is startled away from attacking an Ass by the proud crowing of a Cock, who claims his voice instills fear in the mighty beast. The Ass, however, humorously questions the Lion's peculiar fear of the Cock while disregarding the braying of the Ass, highlighting the thought-provoking moral that true strength lies not in appearances but in the wisdom to discern simple lessons from stories. This timeless tale serves as one of many moral stories for kids, encouraging them to reflect on the nature of fear and bravado.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The moral of the story is that true strength and courage are not determined by appearances or bravado, but by the respect and fear one commands from others.
Historical Context
This fable, attributed to Aesop, is part of a rich tradition of storytelling that uses anthropomorphism to convey moral lessons. Originating in ancient Greece, Aesop's Fables have been retold across cultures for centuries, often highlighting themes of wisdom, pride, and the folly of underestimating others. In this particular story, the interaction between the Lion, Ass, and Cock explores the absurdity of arrogance, illustrating how perceived strength can be overshadowed by true understanding.
Our Editors Opinion
This fable illustrates how perceptions of strength and fear can be misleading, reminding us that confidence and bravado do not always equate to power or effectiveness. In modern life, a scenario reflecting this moral could be a workplace situation where an overconfident employee makes loud claims about their abilities, while a quieter, more competent colleague does the real work; ultimately, the latter's contributions are what lead to success, despite the former's bravado.
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Other names for this story
Fearful Roar: The Lion's Folly, The Cock's Courage, The Braying Ass Adventure, Roar of the Cock, The Lion's Superstitious Escape, The Ass and the Fearful Lion, Cock's Call Saves the Day, The Lion, the Ass, and the Brave Cock
Did You Know?
This fable highlights the theme of perception versus reality, illustrating how confidence can often overshadow true merit, as the Cock believes his voice is powerful enough to frighten a lion, while the Ass cleverly points out the absurdity of the situation. It serves as a reminder that sometimes, those who boast the loudest may not possess the strongest qualities.
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